Singapore, 10 December 2008 – Singapore is preparing to scale up its media infrastructure as it makes plans to turn itself into a Trusted Global Media Capital.
A 19-hectare (ha) plot of land has been earmarked for the development of Mediapolis @ one-north – a 200-ha innovation and R&D hub that is master planned and master developed by JTC Corporation (JTC). Mediapolis @ one-north, which will be an industry demand-driven project, is envisioned to be a self-contained and vibrant digital media cluster.
When ready, it will be a hub that will house a media ecosystem comprising soundstages with green screen capabilities; digital production and broadcast facilities; interactive digital media (IDM) and R&D activities; Computer-generated Imagery and visual effects; post-production, games and animation; industry-response digital media schools, business parks, work lofts and incubators; intellectual property (IP) creation and digital rights management.
The development of Mediapolis @ one-north, an ideal environment to promote the dynamic flow of talent and cross-pollination of ideas, will kick-off with the launch of its first site – a 1.2-ha land JTC has reserved for development in the first quarter of next year. Local media production company, Infinite Frameworks, will invest and develop a soundstage complex on this plot of land.
Escalating Demand For TheSingapore Media
Singapore has seen good progress in its media sector in recent times. In 2005, this industry reported an annual turnover of S$18.2 billion (or US$13.4 billion), contributing S$4.9 billion value added (or US$3.6 billion) to Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product, and employing close to 55,000 people.
The media industry is expanding, and we have seen growth in the fields of media funding – about S$1billion are anchored here – award-winning films, games and animation, IDM and major international co-productions such as the filming and production of Mark Burnett’s “Contender Asia” and “The Contender 4” here in Singapore.
Given these positive developments, increasing demands from the industry for more co-production collaboration, the upcoming shoot of Jan de Bont’s “Point Break 2” here next year, and the location of global media giants such as Lucasfilm, Linden Lab, EA, Ubisoft and most recently, Italian gaming and animation company, Rainbow SpA, to our shores, the government has primed itself to prepare Singapore as a future media hub.
As a result, there is a necessity to create a media epicentre; hence, Mediapolis @ one-north was conceptualised to provide a ‘home’ to our thriving media sector.
“The Mediapolis is an essential piece of a comprehensive media ecosystem that we are building,” says Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Media Development Authority (MDA). ”Over the years, Singapore’s media industry has made great strides, particularly in media financing and international co-productions. To elevate ourselves to the next level, we are finding ways to add scale and synergy to what we already have.
“With the support of the industry, the Mediapolis and its intended array of soundstages, digital post-production facilities and R&D labs, to name a few, will be the infrastructural conduit that will enable Singapore to host international media players and large, big-budget projects.”
As the master planner and developer of one-north, JTC plays a key role in providing the physical infrastructure.
“JTC is pleased to be part of this multi-government agency effort that propels Singapore ahead as a Trusted Global Media Capital,” says Mr Philip Su, Assistant CEO, JTC. “We are glad to contribute to building the critical pieces, which will complement each other in the growth of a vibrant media ecosystem.
“Mediapolis @ one-north will be the 3rd strategic industry cluster in one-north, after Biopolis (biomedical sciences) and Fusionopolis (infocomm, media, engineering and physical sciences). Mediapolis will also be able to leverage on the creative community in the neighbouring Wessex Estate, and tap on the synergies and world-class expertise within one-north.”
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